Re-Post

Wednesday, November 26, 2014

“Accept what life offers you and try to drink from every cup. All wines should be tasted; some should only be sipped, but with others,drink the whole bottle.”
― Paulo Coelho, Brida

The secretive Illumineati dinner number two was finally upon us- and we clasped our hands in delight not knowing what, where or who we were to dine with yet again! You can check out my earlier blog post here about the first dinner where we were first treated to this mystical and delicious experience earlier this fall. The suspense for tonight's dinner was joyfully rewarded. We were to be whisked to another terre to enjoy a collaboration of southern and french and art and wine- and of course it all paired incredibly well! The new and old friendships flowed as easily as du vin.

As we gathered for this secret yet unforgettable meal in a setting truly unique on its own, the word terrior caught my ear as we discussed wines, great foods and regions of France.
Terrior : (French from terre, "land") is the 'essence of a place'... a set of special characteristics that the geography, geology and climate of a certain place, interacting with plant genetics, express in agricultural products such as wine, coffee, chocolate, hops, tomatoes, heritage wheat, and tea. You certainly got a real sense of the terrior of our dining venue -which was both someones home, work studio, art gallery and a one-of-a-kind setting for our meal. The essence of this place was comfortable and lived in yet you could almost hear the grind of a welding machine, the plank of the press or the satisfied stretch after completing a true work of art.

Bleu Acier is owned by Erika Schneider and Dominique Labauvie who exhibit works of all disciplines. Their collaborative and contract studio supports many printmaking techniques as Erika is a Master Printer including: Intaglio, Photogravure, Lithography, Photolithography, Relief and Monotype. Dominique is a fascintating metal sculptor, known for his lyrical interpretations and their related prints which adorn their work and home spaces. They aptly named their studio Bleu Acier which is French for blue steel - the transformational moment when intense heat turns metal blue.

Our fantastic dinner was prepared that evening by Price Evans, an accomplished Tampa Chef who has worked with the astute team at Sidebern's (soon to be Haven winebar) and Elevage at the Epicurean Hotel. Price and his team were a show to behold working efficiently and patiently plating each of the nine courses with adept hands and a careful eye.

Our Illumineati hosts were again Jimmy Breen and Johnny Ciani who greeted everyone warmly as we first gathered on the back art studio patio to start the festivities.

We then toured the expansive art studio and work spaces where Erika and Dominique demonstrated the beautiful presses they brought over from France-- you could tell that these massive machines take much time and love poured into them as they created the beautiful wood inlaid menu sleeves for tonight's dinner- each one unique, numbered and signed by the in house artists.

The menu itself was also a piece of art with the magical Illumineati logo again done by graphic artist and co-host Jimmy Breen.

We were to enjoy a vast array of French wines to accompany the dishes as well thanks to our very passionate wine sommelier.

But first, the evening began with a specialty cocktail - their spin off of the delicious French 75.

It was divine, truly something you could go back for seconds or thirds-and-before-you-knew-it you were transported to a park bench on the banks of the Seine listening to Parisian music and watching the twinkling Eiffel lights........ but I digress.... and the food awaits us......

This fall, Roux opened amidst many parties and eager patrons waiting to explore this new wave of Creole cuisine by the team that brought us Datz and Datz Dough Bakery!

Suzanne and Roger Perry and their experienced team took traditional Italian, Spanish, French, German, African, American Indian and many roots of Creole and added their own touch of southern soul. They call it Creola Nouvelle with a touch of Asian influence in conjunction with the vast knowledge they learned shaping up their other menus at their Datz empire. They bring in many products directly from New Orleans and continually visit there to taste and experience what might be next on their own menu in South Tampa.

Here you will find the gas-lit lamps at the beautiful entry where you step into another world. Beautifully decorated, the restaurant boasts a long bar, main dining room and private back room filled with romance and some whimsy. Be sure to saunter over to the bar and reward yourself with a French 75 - a delightful concoction of Bombay gin, lemon, champagne and zest. Disclaimer- too many of these may find you with some extra beads by the end of the evening!

You have not LIVED until you have tried the most special and melt in your mouth treat that you probably has never slipped past your lips before..... my new Favorite dish - "Old Sober Yakamein". Angel hair, beef broth, shaved beef, green onions, hard boiled eggs, and crystal hot sauce- it is making me lick my lips as I type this!!!

They have plenty of Po Boys to choose from as well as their own sauces ready to take home! Gumbo, fried chicken, jumbalaya and much more!

Definitely do not miss one of their many baked desserts- I loved their Baked Alaska... melt in your mouth !!

You can find Roux at 4205 South MacDill Avenue in Tampa as they are open for lunch and dinner.

As they say in New Orleans.... Laissez les bon temps roulez!!! Just be sure to do it at Roux!